New Dominion IC Roleplaying Thread

[Dave Baughman]

Downtown Zh'gak City
Planet Skokie
The New Dominion
3 January 3091

Ajda Larsen dodged the trooper's stunstick with the casual grace of a dancer, feeling the electrified field raise the hairs on her head as it swept past. A moment later, she planted the ball of her foot at the base of his abdomen just above his pelvis and push down and back. As the man staggered she pounced, driving him to the ground and leaving him stunned while she delivered a vicious liver punch. In her professional opinion as a terrorist and enemy of the state, Aja was certain the painful strike would incapacitate the young man.

The other part of Ajda Larsen, the part named Hervor Månsdottir, felts a twinge of regret about the brutality she had visited on the trooper. Barely a man in any real sense of the word, the the soldier was obviously from one of the naval infantry sibkos that had been called up for riot duty and couldn't have been more than fifteen years old. We all make sacrifices for the Republic, she told herself, and even though he probably feels like he's been skewered by a hot poker he'll live to fight another day.

The thought passed, and Hervor let herself slip back into Ajda Larsen as if the terrorist was a well-worn pair of slippers. A few meters away, John Ebon hurled a molotov cocktail up and over the increasingly noisy crowd and towards the phalanx of riot troops blocking the intersection. Ajda didn't see the firebomb strike, but she felt the pulse of heat and heart panicked screams from the crowd around her. Even as she returned to her feet, she heard the crack of rifles being fired into the air.

"Phase two accomplished," Ajda muttered into the throat mike cleverly disguised as a tight-fitting necklace.

"You're welcome," John Ebon's voice scratched in her ear, "Someone has these crows on a tight leash. The local cops would have been shooting hours ag-"

"Eyes up," said Iversen's flat voice, "we may be going directly to phase five."

Instantly, Ajda turned her head to the skyline. Sure enough, outlined against the top of the buildings were the unmistakeable profile of Kobold battle armor suits.

"Beta team, launchers up. I want infernos on those suits as soon as they get into range."

Ajda felt her gut clench as she realized that in about thirty seconds, she was going to be in the middle of a genuine massacre.

[Dave Baughman]

Downtown Zh'gak City
Planet Skokie
The New Dominion
3 January 3091

Punktfurir Brutus checked the power level on his pulse laser a second time as the troopers on the street below started firing warning shots into the air.

"Four-two, Alert, I am detecting radar lock," cut in the clipped voice Brutus knew belonged to Krigare Madeline.

"Four-one, message acknowledge, spread out and locate the source."

"Four-two, aff. Moving to higher ground."

"Four-four, nothing from the north tower, scann-- savash--! Incoming!"

A moment later, Delta four-four was covered in burning fuel as two inferno missiles exploded in front of him. Even though the trooper's suit was sealed against the attack, the momentarily startled warrior lost his footing and plummeted to the ground like a burning meteor.

"Four-two, targets acquired, moving to terminate."

"Four-one, negative, await clearance from command."

The order came too late as Krigare Madeline sprayed a stream of high-explosive grenades into the second-floor balcony the launches had come from... and into the crowd below.

"Delta four-one, this is command, check fire!" shouted the voice of Delta Star's Stjärnfurir... but Punktfurir Brutus had no time to carry out the order before a laser sliced through his suit. The automatic medkit saved Brutus' life, but any hope of him controlling his troops vanished in a sedative-fueled haze.

By the time the rest of Delta star reached the scene, it was too late.

[Fatebringer]

Downtown Zh'gak City
Planet Skokie
The New Dominion
11 February 3091

The shuttle containing Världherre Mikael Blomkvist and Hertig Otto Åkerstedt touched down effortlessly. Within minutes they were past the port security and was greeted by a point of Elementals. Star Commander Ryan and his team apprached the gentlemen. With a practiced annunciation, Ryan said, "Välkommen hem. I wish it were under better circumstances, but we understand how our members of the Riksdag would wish to leave the active parlimentary session to witness the outcome of events of this magnitude. If you would come to us, we shall take you to the briefing room." Mikael thanked the elemental as he and Otto borded the waiting VTOL. There was no security check, as their bags never went anywhere but from the shuttle to their waiting conveyance, and they were on their way in under two minutes.

Once in the air, Star Commander Ryan directed his point took to take their positions at the doors, then plugged in to the intercom system, he addressed the members of the Världherren who had been handed headsets. "Star Commander, I heard that another member of the planetary Världherren would be meeting us here?"  Ryan qued in, "Aff, Star Captain Lisbeth arrived via a command circuit a month ago to take point on the this. She was voted in as a Hertig last year." Otto nodded, "I like the idea that an acitve member of the military is representing the people of Skokie, it's important that those people on the warrior council get an active view of what is going on. We can't all follow a spiritual path now can we Världherre Blomkvist?" The media tychoon found the pudgy priest's attempts to legitamize his relevance to be childish. "You know my mind on the need for spiritual guidance Otto." The priest took offense to his title not being used, but went back to enjoying the flight.

Mikael was amused at the thought of how his compatriot relished his position considering they were not true titles of nobility, in his mind, Otto was filling the unneccassary role in the 3rd House's role in the Riksdag, he had no servant, no manor and the raven's caste system did not include a religeous caste. Despite the desires of the 3rd House to convert members of the lower caste, they had few takers. On the other hand, the ravens play the game of politics well. Their decision to include one of their "Spiritual" advisors on this tour was clever. They would not want to be seen as ignoring the voice of the supersticious people that still weilded the power to vote. Mikael noted that Otto seemed the sort of man that would volunteer for this assignment to gain the perks while Mikael himself had been sequestered for the role by the warrior council.

At first, he thought it odd, but Mikael had put his time as a member of the Hertig to good use and discovered the shrewd nature by which the ravens ran things. When he first was elected, he was suprised he was allowed to bring in his own people from the magazine to witness how things worked. The Ghost Bears had nearly liquidated all their castes into the Republics guild system so it was the first chance to see how the actual Clan caste system operated. Later, when the Ghost Bears announced they were reconsistuting the option for their people to follow the model of efficiency, it was a little suprising, considering how hard certain organizations faught to gain their independance. From his obvservations, there was an air of cooperation that transcended the pride of the individual. Their inclusion of the people in the Raven protectorate was just that. One could feel that once they were claimed by the ravens that it was in their best interest to include them.

While they could have demanded that Michael's people put out good press on the clan, they didn't force him to do anything. There was definately leading involved, like how the transportation was provided that would get him and otto here so quickly, but still, they managed to get their own Hertig here first. The vast transportation system seemed to be ready for anything, an asset to the mechantile nature that exuded the clan as they traded relentlessly, even with people they had no reason to like. Whenever he visited New Caledonia, he marked how the representatives from all the clans came and went, issuing trials that were customary to seal the deal and would also serve as negotiations, each combatant would come in setting a bid price for the goods they needed and there was little haggling.  The raven's saw Michael's own media empire as any other commodity and it was this desire for information that elevated him to his current position so that he could use his connections to keep them informed. The thing he admired most is that was no pushing involved, he served a purpose, they respected him for it, unlike Otto who only served one function in their eyes and that was to appease the people, but they did not try to change the nature of the people, they accepted them for who they were and worked within the boundries of the "Old Rasalhauge Republic" without stepping on toes. As long as people followed their rules, things went smoothly. Unfortunately, people weren't following the rules.

The reports about the VEAR protest getting massacred was huge news. His people covering it called the retaliation swift and brutal. Soon, he would get a full report of the extent. As they neared the capitol, he could see the form an unknown mech posted nearby. When they got closer, it showed to be a Clint IIC 2, the chosen vehicle of Hertig Lisbeth. Learning about the ravens had been like learning about a new culture entirely. The Ghost Bears were so similar to the Republic, but the Raven's Bloodhouse Families were another animal all together.

Mikael had taken good notes on the subject. Lisbeth was one of the Clan's Ristars, but had a unique problem. She claimed two equally respected geneparents, while both the Gou and Romero bloodlines both had openings, she had forstalled her right to trial for them because she was waiting the more prestigeous Seigel name. But while there was some unspoken animosity by the rejected bloodhouses, no one questioned her right to do so. The clock was still ticking though and despite her still young age she only had a certain window to hope for one of their limited spots to open up. There as a story there, would she get the spot she desired in this age of peace, or would she wait to long and not even get the nomination of those that she rejected? He'd make sure his people followed up on it. The Clanner's codex records were public domain so all they'd have to do is ask for them. It was too late to have a reality show about the subject, but maybe there could be a wrap up movie later.

Mikael stopped pondering on the subject as the swift craft has already reached it's destination. Star Captain Ryan was already unhooking his intercom unit but Mikael decided to keep the headgear on until the last possible moment.

[Fatebringer]

From: Scientist Renee
To: Point Commander Donovan
Subject: P3TH - Not an asteroid.

Warrior Donovan,

While investigating Asteroid P3TH in sector 2615 to see if it had a stable orbit around the weak gas gaint in this system, we found that not only is this celestial body in orbit, but is in fact able to sustain life in three of the four deeper craters that are located close to each other.

At one time, this was a planet of some dense vegetation, but the loss of atmosphere and polluted water sources in the deep craters have made the water undrinkable. However, that was several millenia ago. The water seems to have developed natural purifiers that absorbed the polutants and set up a system of natural springs that feed the vegetation in the crater. Small non-carnivorous and unintellegent animal life seem to have taken the role of carbon dioxide producers for this region.

In short, the planet would interfere with any space station, but can be used as the base we were sent here to build.

Scientist Renee

[Fatebringer]

Downtown Zh'gak City
Planet Skokie
The New Dominion
10 APR 3091

The VEAR sitution was still on Mikael's mind, he wanted to get a new angle on story, none of his people had as yet been able to crack their security, but a new outbreak of hostilies around the inner sphere drew Världherre Blomkvist concerns in another direction.

As part of the Riksdag, he was constantly being updated on the situations that arose and the new hostilities between Clan Ice Hellion and the Jade Falcons meant that it was moving steadily their way. As a diplimat, he had requested to travel to the conflict and witness the situation firsthand. Permission had been granted to him with the stipulation that Hertig Lizbeth and her unit traveled with him. Being a diplomat meant interfereing socially, pushing your own interests, without interfering physically. Lisbeth was such a hands on person that he wondered if she could be trusted to not interfere physically with the situation.

As his valet packed his bags, he checked the status of the link on his bulky portable computer. Much more powerful then a datapad, the portable unit had serious transmitting capabilities that could reach ships in space without needing to send messages by shuttle. A perk of his position as both Världherre and media mogul.

Satisfied that the unit was packed away properly, he tagged it for diplomatic purposes. That would insure it stayed with him thru the whole trip, as long as the spaceport laborers didn't lose his luggage.

[Fatebringer]

Clan Snow Raven Warrior Council Hall
St. Joseph's City, New Caledonia
New Dominion Territory
18 APR 3091

Simon checked the calendar on the wall. Even with a command circuit, it would be a full week before the Khan arrived. Being proactive in his line of work was like walking a tight rope. Sometimes it produces amazing results, sometimes it could lead to your downfall. Calling off the Blackwing and ordering it to move clear across the Inner Sphere as a bit above his comfort zone. The results of their mission had not yet reached back to base and the saKhan had been breathing down their necks for more information. The only option at this point was to prep the orders and get the Loremaster's approval to set them up as a contingency plan so he sat down at his terminal and prepared the orders.

Solomon,

There may be a Golden opportunity to fix the Lies being spread around. However, it is a long journey to clear things up and may take a full year, but the reasons are sound. I wish you luck in all of your endeavors.

Simon

[Fatebringer]

Office of the Prince Elect
Tamar city, Planet Tamar
The New Dominion
18 June 3091

"I cannot believe that it has come to this. That my war council advises that we invade our neighbors to save them from another, and one of your own Clans of Kerensky! This does not bode well for the state of affairs for the New Dominion. The Vipers seem to have left to abscond all of the Space Stations between here and the Homeworlds so they are not in position to assist plus I am fairly certain the Sharks may be in the same boat. At least we can address this with them if they accept my invitation to the Naval Conference."

"To be fair Rolph, the Hellions did inquire about an allaince before they attacked the Falcons."

"Yes, and because they did attack the Falcons, we could not policitally defend them further because they were the aggressors. It is like Alshain all over again except the Hellions are the ones who will suffer.... What happened!? They were supposedly in talks with the Adders regarding the official alliance we passed on so they could form that connection and keep the balance that was upset when the Lyrans absorbed the Falcons."

"The Adders seem to be busy."

"Too busy to take the help the Hellions were offering? Some quasi-real treaty the Lyrans and Adder started to push and the Hellions were left out in the cold. On top of that, the Adders would not give up their push for Vorzel, so the treaty fell apart anyway!"

"Aff, the Adder Occupation Zone is crumbling, shrinking day by day. The Hellions for all their bravado and success so far have only been facing regular troops. The Falcons misjudged their strength and determination. But if we do not move now, Stars End will be a Falcon enclave by the end of the year."

"What about letting them join the Dominion?"

"I do not see that as an option. They inquired, we refused them. On top of the matter of honor that would lose them to ask again or for us to offer, I do not think that would satisfy the Falcons which could bring us to war with them ourselves."

"What about Absorption, is that an option? I would hate to risk losing so many troops if we did not have to."

"I think we could manage support for it, but every Clan would want their chance at them. There have been two unsuccessful attempts to absorb them in the past due to overly competative bidding... There is however a new precedent in the Grand Council where several Clans have voluntarily submitted to trials of Absorption... but I  think the Hellion fighting spirit is very strong. While I admire it, I do not think they would submit to a voluntary absorption."

"We have few options Drasan, I recommend we end the troops, issue the challenge. If they refuse to accept, trail for the worlds. If they refuse that, do what you need to do."

"Aff, I will have to request some naval support from the Raven Protectorate for this. Moving troops up from Arcturus would take too long and my own troops are watching the Draconis Combine border. We have recieved word that when the Blood Spirits sought to raid one of their worlds, they were met with one of their new Yamato Class Battleships. The Dragon has a decided presense and so must we."

"Contact Nakita then, Keigan is busy. By a two-thirds majority decision we do hereby accept the burden of blah blah blah, this date sincerely yours Prince Elect Rolph Magnusson. We shall touch up the official proclamation and hopefully not get any gruff from the Ravens for pushing this forward without their imput."

"I shall advise you what they say when I put in the requistion. If they have issues, they can request an official hearing of the Tribunal to try and change our minds."

"So shall it be. Get a move on Drasan, this dog is not gonna sit."

[Dave Baughman]

Somewhere in the New Dominion
September 3091

"Ajda, I don't want to lie to you. This could turn into a suicide mission, but you're the only operative who I think can pull it off. If you turn this down, I'll understand - it won't be held against you."

Ajda Larsen shook her head, "No, sir, I wouldn't dream of turning this down. And you're right, I'm the only one who can pull this off."

The man, hidden in shadows, nodded, "Spoken like one of the Blood. Your McEvedy genes are strong, Ajda. Now go and make the infidels tremble."

Hervor Månsdottir smiled coldly.

[Parmenion]

Priority Alpha Flass Message to New Caledonia, Clan Snow Raven

To:       Khan Keigan Magnus, Clan Snow Raven
From:    saKhan Tanya DeLaurel, Horse Alliance, Onverwacht

"Khan Magnus.  The continued outage of communications from the Homeworlds is the reason for this message.  Khan Dudzinsky is on Strana Mechty as you would know, however in his 'absence', I am dispatching a force here from the Outworlds region and elsewhere to investigate.  If you have any information on the situation that you are able to share it would be welcoming.  Or do you to intend to dispatch your own force to determine what is happening?"